Dozens of executives from some of the largest tech companies in the U.S. are calling on state and federal leaders to make computer science—and artificial intelligence (AI)—a core part of K–12 education. In a letter sent Monday, 60 CEOs said the country risks falling behind globally if students aren’t better prepared in foundational tech skills.
The letter was organized by Code.org, a nonprofit focused on increasing access to computer science in schools. Signatories include high-profile leaders such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg.
The executives’ message is clear: schools must move faster to integrate computer science and AI into their core curriculum, not treat them as optional electives.
“Computer science is the foundation for many future careers,” the letter states. “It’s critical to expand access to these skills starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school.”
The letter specifically highlights AI as a fast-growing area of innovation and employment. Industry leaders argue that early exposure will help students better understand the technology that is already reshaping industries, economies, and daily life.
The Current State of Tech Education
Only 57% of U.S. high schools currently offer foundational computer science courses, according to Code.org. While that number has increased over the past decade, access remains uneven. Students in rural and low-income communities are far less likely to attend schools with computer science offerings.
And AI education is even more limited. Very few K–12 schools teach AI concepts or ethics, even though students regularly use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and image generators.
In contrast, many countries are moving aggressively to integrate AI and programming into school systems. China has introduced national guidelines for AI education in middle and high school, and the U.K. revised its computing curriculum to emphasize digital literacy and programming from primary school onward.
CEOs Cite Workforce and Equity Concerns
Tech executives warn that the lack of broad access to computer science and AI education could weaken the U.S. workforce over time. The letter highlights how technology is rapidly reshaping industries and argues that students need foundational skills in computing to remain competitive.
Without nationwide access to computer science, students from low-income and rural communities risk being left behind. They argue that expanding curriculum access can help bridge opportunity gaps tied to race, income, and geography.
The CEOs are calling on lawmakers, governors, and school boards to:
- Make computer science a graduation requirement.
- Fund teacher training programs in computer science and AI.
- Update state standards to include AI concepts and digital ethics.
- Support industry partnerships to bring real-world tech exposure into classrooms.
The letter stresses that these changes should happen “urgently and at scale,” not through scattered pilot programs or elective options.
Growing Momentum Behind the Push
The business community’s call comes amid broader debates about the role of AI in society—and how to prepare young people for it. Some states, including Arkansas and New Jersey, have recently passed legislation requiring computer science courses in high school.
The Biden administration has also emphasized STEM education in its workforce development plans. However, federal efforts to directly fund AI-specific K–12 initiatives remain limited.
As AI becomes more deeply embedded in everything from health care to journalism to transportation, tech leaders argue that education must catch up.